Author(s): S. K. MANTRY, A. P. SINGH, K. JANA, S. SARKAR AND S. BHATTACHARYYA

Abstract: Research on gamma ray induced mutagenesis in ricebean for trait improvement is limited and only a few literatures are available. Hence, a study on gamma ray induced mutagenesis was carried out in a ricebean variety Bidhan Ricebean-1 (BRB-1) for crop improvement pertaining to forage related traits. Based on LD50 calculation, fresh BRB-1 seeds were exposed to a specific dose of gamma rays. M₁ and M₂ were grown according to the recommended package of practices. We identified potential mutants based on improvements in morphological traits as well as enhanced crude protein (CP) and crude fibre (CF) production. Substantial variation was observed in M₁ generation for morphological traits like presence of anthocyanin pigmentation on stem, extra branching, light green leaves, varying pod size and colour. In M₂ generation, a variety of putative mutants were observed. Interestingly, a few of them displayed early maturity, high forage yield, and significant increases in CP and CF values in green leaves. These promising genotypes could be evaluated in M₃ and later generation. Also, these putative mutants will serve as pre-breeding materials for the ricebean improvement programmes.

DOI: 10.22271/09746315.2023.v19.i3.1750

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